A stormwater drainage, storm sewers, surface drainage, or rooftop stormwater drain is engineered to collect excess water and excess rain runoff from impervious surfaces like asphalt, concrete, parking lots, parking lot patios, parking structures, and even roofs. A stormwater control system then transports it into a storage area that holds rainwater runoff until it can be used for public use. Most systems use a combination of the above-ground and below-ground components.
Rainwater flows from the roof into the gutters to prevent surface runoff. If left untreated, the water would enter storm drains and eventually into storm sewer systems, which would ultimately overflow into rivers and streams.
The primary purpose of stormwater drainage is to prevent the ground surface from becoming saturated and therefore, flooding. It prevents the soil surface from absorbing excess rainfall and snow during a winter season. It also acts as a temporary barrier between the ground surface and surrounding roads.
The primary reason why you should have a storm drainage system is if you live in an area where there is a high percentage of rainfall or snowfall. Different types of stormwater drainage systems should be installed depending on the nature of the land surface, the number of properties located in the immediate area, and your budget. There are four main types of stormwater drainage systems: surface runoff, subgrade runoff, combined surface runoff, and ground-water runoff.
The first type of system uses a single layer of gravel to channel rainwater away from the foundation and directly into a drain. These systems are usually built on sloping roofs, driveways, or patios. Subgrade runoff systems use multiple layers of gravel bed to channel rainwater away from the foundation.
The second primary type of system uses a combination of subgrade and grade systems to channel rainwater away from the property. They can be used in flat areas, but they do not work well when they crossroads or parking structures. They are usually built in rows of several rows with a gravel bed.
The third type of system is made up of two different types of material. They are both buried in the ground with the subgrade and grade components running underneath the ground surface. These systems are buried within the ground surface but not connected to the surface. They are usually used for residential properties or industrial sites with a lot of traffic. If you are building a new home or business, you will most likely need both types of system.
The fourth type of Stormwater drainage is buried within the ground and has the subgrade and grade components attached to the surface. The components run underground through layers of gravel and concrete until they reach the roof. They are typically used for commercial and industrial properties that require additional flood protection.
By determining what type of stormwater drainage system you need, you can determine the best method to get it installed. Most cities require that you have a stormwater system built before you apply for zoning or permit.
An important thing to remember about having a stormwater drainage system is that it will slow down the rate at which water flows down your drains. The speed of water will also be affected by the materials used to build the drainage system.
If you decide to install a stormwater drainage system on your own, it is essential to hire a contractor or a licensed professional to install the system. Doing it yourself could lead to significant damage if the system is not installed correctly.